Clear, practical definitions for Queensland property developers. From development applications to zoning overlays, understand the terms that shape your projects.
The legal entity that manages and maintains common property in a multi-lot development. All owners of individual lots are automatically members of the body corporate and contribute to maintenance through levies.
Formal approval from the local council or private building certifier that a building design complies with the Building Code of Australia and all relevant standards for construction, safety, and performance.
A planning overlay that identifies areas at risk from bushfire hazards. Properties within bushfire-prone areas must meet specific construction requirements, setbacks, and design standards to reduce risk.
An assessment that evaluates whether a proposed development meets the applicable planning scheme codes and performance standards for its zone or category.
Development approval granted with conditions that must be satisfied before commencement or before specific stages of development can proceed.
A legal restriction on how a property can be used or developed, recorded on the title. Covenants are binding on all future owners and must be complied with or removed.
The formal submission to local council seeking approval to develop a property. Includes site plans, architectural drawings, specifications, and supporting documentation demonstrating compliance with the planning scheme.
Formal permission from council to undertake a development in accordance with the planning scheme, planning scheme codes, and any imposed conditions.
The systematic investigation of a property and development opportunity before commitment, including planning, legal, technical, environmental, and financial assessments.
A development that provides two separate dwellings on a single lot, either side-by-side or front-to-back, with separate titles or long-term arrangements.
A legal right to use another person's land for a specific purpose, such as access, drainage, utilities, or services. Easements are recorded on the land title and bind all future owners.
A development that consolidates multiple smaller, adjoining lots into a single larger parcel for more comprehensive development planning and increased value creation.
A detailed analysis to determine whether a proposed development is economically and technically viable, considering construction costs, revenues, timing, market conditions, and required returns.
A planning overlay that identifies areas prone to flooding, typically based on historical flood events or hydraulic modelling. Properties in flood zones may have construction restrictions or design requirements.
The total floor area of a building measured from the external walls, including all floors, roof space, and enclosed areas. Used to calculate densities, plot ratios, and building performance requirements.
The total revenue expected from selling all finished products of a development, before deduction of costs and developer profit. Used in feasibility analysis to determine project economics.
An evaluation of how a proposed development will affect traffic, parking, services, environment, and the surrounding area. Often required as supporting documentation for a DA.
Contributions required from developers to fund local infrastructure such as roads, water, drainage, waste, and services that support new development in the area.
A legal agreement between a developer and council that outlines how development-related infrastructure (roads, drainage, utilities) will be provided, built, and funded.
The process of dividing or consolidating land lots to create a new subdivision or development pattern that better supports intended development or use.
A change in the primary use of a property that requires development approval, such as converting residential land to commercial or agricultural to industrial.
A comprehensive strategic plan showing the overall layout, design vision, staging, and development sequencing for a larger development project across multiple years or stages.
A statutory planning document prepared by local councils that guides development in a specific neighbourhood or precinct, often addressing local character, density, and design outcomes.
Physical works on a property such as grading, earthworks, drainage, access roads, or site preparation that support development but are not buildings themselves.
An additional layer of planning controls applied to specific geographic areas that identify hazards, environmental constraints, or special requirements affecting what can be developed where.
The local council's comprehensive statutory planning document that sets out zoning, codes, overlays, and rules that govern what can be developed where, how, and to what density.
An interim approval for part of a development, often granted before full detailed designs are submitted and approved, establishing approval in principle.
Geographic areas designated by the Queensland state government for accelerated development, featuring streamlined approval processes, infrastructure investment focus, and sometimes modified planning requirements.
The process of subdividing land to create new lots from an existing lot, changing lot boundaries and potentially creating titles. Requires approval if it changes lot configurations.
The value of land calculated by subtracting all development costs, required profit, and expenses from the expected total project revenue. Used to determine what can be paid for land.
A formal notice from council specifying the infrastructure charges and contributions payable by a developer for a specific development, issued before or at development approval.
The systems, designs, and controls for managing rainwater runoff from developed sites to prevent flooding, protect drainage networks, and meet environmental standards.
The process of dividing a parcel of land into multiple lots, usually to create separate titles for sale, development, or ownership. Requires council approval.
The discipline and profession concerned with land use, development control, urban design, and creating functioning, sustainable communities and places.
The Australian system of land registration that guarantees ownership of land through a government-maintained register, rather than relying on possession of title deeds.
A category used in planning schemes to classify what a property can be used for, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or special use, with associated approval requirements and restrictions.
The return on investment generated by a development project, typically expressed as a percentage of invested capital. Key metric for evaluating project performance.
The planning classification assigned to a property that determines what types of development and uses are permitted, at what density, and under what approval process.
Use the DevelopSURE feasibility calculator to assess whether a project stacks up. It's free, uses conservative assumptions, and walks you through the key numbers that actually matter.
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